Govt has banned indoor weddings but still holding gatherings: IHC

CJ Athar Minallah says court cannot take responsibility If coronavirus spreads at a marriage ceremony

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah has remarked that the government has banned indoor wedding ceremonies in view of the coronavirus pandemic but it is holding large gatherings itself.

While hearing a petition against the ban on indoor wedding ceremonies, the chief justice also remarked that the court could not take responsibility if coronavirus spread in a marriage ceremony.

According to the petitioner, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) issued a notification on November 6 that wedding ceremonies would not be allowed in the indoor hall from November 20.

The petitioned noted that the prime minister had said that the government would not stop the wheel of economy but why was this happening to the marquis, adding that it would make 10,000 people unemployed.

The petitioner’s lawyer argued in the court that gatherings at marquis were banned but the government itself, as well as the opposition were holding big rallies at various places, including Gilgit. The chief justice said that if corona spread in a marriage, the court could not take responsibility for it, they must ask the government why the marquis are being discriminated against.

The court issued notice to the NCOC Deputy Director and summoned a competent officer in person on November 18. The court also sought an explanation as to why the government has double standards.